The Trust approved the channel to launch on cable and Sky satellite as soon as possible, on "Freesat" when the platform launches, and on Freeview as soon as feasible.

The timetable for launch on Freeview will await a review in 2008 of digital spectrum capacity issues.  The Trust has ruled out any early launch of an interim 4-hour overnight service on Freeview before the technical standards for providing HD on Freeview are clear.

Diane Coyle, BBC Trustee and Chair of the Public Value Test Steering Group said that the Trust would approve the new HD television channel on all platforms. "After considering all the evidence we are satisfied that the public value generated is sufficiently high and there is unlikely to be a negative impact on the market," said Coyle.

"High Definition will eventually become a significant broadcasting standard and, as with all BBC services for which everyone pays, it is essential that this is universally available as soon as possible. This means the Trust will consider in spring 2008 the timing of the launch on Freeview, when there should be greater clarity on HD broadcast standards and the spectrum capacity available for the channel," she added.

Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General, said that the BBC was delighted that the BBC Trust approved the high definition television proposals, allowing it to launch the UK's first free-to-air, mixed-genre public service HDTV channel.

"The BBC has pioneered high definition broadcasting in the UK, setting industry standards and defining the HD viewing experience for audiences," he said. 

Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision said that BBC HD will be available on cable, satellite and - in due course - on digital terrestrial and the internet

"Audiences can look forward to the likes of Earth - Power Of The Planet, Cranford, Torchwood, Hammonds Heroes, Diary Of Anne Frank, Around The World In 80 Gardens and Live At The Apollo in extraordinary sound and vision," she said.

The launch of the BBC's new HD channel on Digital Terrestrial Television (including Freeview) is subject to a review by the BBC Trust in 2008 when there should be greater clarity on HD broadcast standards and spectrum capacity available for the channel.